PLA (Polylactic Acid)

• Uses: Prototyping, decorative objects, non-functional items.
• Strengths: Biodegradable, easy to print, good dimensional accuracy.
• Limitations: Brittle, not impact-resistant, deforms at ~60°C and under UV exposure.
• Ecology: Eco-friendly, made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Uses: Durable parts, electronic casings, functional prototypes.
• Strengths: High impact and heat resistance (~100°C).
• Limitations: UV-sensitive, may degrade when exposed to certain chemicals.
• Ecology: Not eco-friendly, petroleum-based, difficult to recycle, and emits toxic fumes during printing.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

• Uses: Food containers, functional parts, outdoor applications.
• Strengths: Good chemical resistance, flexible, weather-resistant.
• Limitations: Can be prone to scratches; less rigid than ABS.
• Ecology: Moderately eco-friendly, recyclable but not biodegradable.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

• Uses: Flexible parts, gaskets, protective covers.
• Strengths: Extremely elastic, durable, wear-resistant.
• Limitations: Low heat resistance, vulnerable to certain solvents, can deform under prolonged stress.
• Ecology: Not eco-friendly, made from non-renewable resources, and challenging to recycle.

Nylon (Polyamide)

• Uses: Gears, hinges, durable mechanical parts.
• Strengths: Excellent impact resistance, durability, and flexibility.
• Limitations: Absorbs moisture, which can weaken its properties; UV-sensitive.
• Ecology: Not eco-friendly, petroleum-based, and not biodegradable.

Wood Filament

• Uses: Decorative objects with a natural wood-like appearance.
• Strengths: Aesthetic appeal, unique natural texture.
• Limitations: Less durable, prone to wear, not suitable for mechanical or load-bearing applications.
• Ecology: Eco-friendly, composed of PLA and recycled or natural wood particles.

Metal Filament (Metal particle-infused PLA or ABS)

• Uses: Decorative or functional objects with a metallic look and feel.
• Strengths: Heavier and more robust than standard PLA.
• Limitations: Structurally weaker than solid metal, not ideal for load-bearing applications.
• Ecology: Moderately eco-friendly, depends on the base (PLA or ABS) and metal particles, recycling is challenging.

PC (Polycarbonate)

• Uses: High-strength mechanical parts, technical enclosures.
• Strengths: Exceptional impact and heat resistance (~120°C).
• Limitations: UV-sensitive, may yellow over time, low resistance to certain chemicals.
• Ecology: Not eco-friendly, petroleum-based, non-biodegradable, and hard to recycle.

PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)

• Uses: Water-soluble support material for multi-material prints.
• Strengths: Dissolves easily in water for clean removal.
• Limitations: Temporary use only, very moisture-sensitive.
• Ecology: Moderately eco-friendly, biodegradable but requires special recycling processes.

Carbon Fiber Reinforced (PLA, PETG, or Nylon infused with carbon fibers)

• Uses: Structural parts needing stiffness and lightness.
• Strengths: Very rigid and lightweight.
• Limitations: Brittle under impact or flexural loads, unsuitable for applications requiring flexibility.
• Ecology: Not eco-friendly, carbon fibers complicate recycling, even if the base material is recyclable.